Golfing group tee off in Dundee to remember Les in annual event

A group of friends have continued their tradition of teeing-off in memory of a lost pal, raising money for charity in the process.

Pals of Les Melville, who died in 2010, have been golfing annually for the last four years to remember him.

He took his own life, just days after seeing friends at a party and less than a fortnight after being best man to one of his close friends.

The group of 14 golfers clubbed together at Downfield to raise money for the Dundee Association for Mental Health (DAMH).

Dave Robertson, 33, from Broughty Ferry, is one of Les’s friends who helped to arrange this year’s game.

“Les battled with mental health issues and it’s something that none of us had an understanding of,” he said.

“That’s why we took it upon ourselves to help DAMH, as we feel they can teach people not only how to identify this type of thing but to help the people close to them deal with it.”

The group of friends also staged a raffle with some enviable prizes from the likes of The Barrels, Downfield club pro Barry Smith, Dundee United Football Club and even The R&A, who provided two tickets to The Open Championship.

In all, the group has raised £1,000 from their fundraising efforts this year, which they presented to DAMH director Wendy Callander once the game had wrapped up.

Shiona Watson, administrator at DAMH, said: “A good time was had by all at the Les Melville Golf Memorial at Downfield Golf Club.

“Well done to Dave and the troops for raising a fabulous £1,000 for us.

“This money will go such a long way in helping us in our work. Thank you so much.”

n If you feel depressed, suicidal, or just need someone to talk to, volunteers at Samaritans are on hand to offer help 24 hours a day by calling 116123, or by emailing jo@samaritans.org.